UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 39
Ham Hill Visitor Centre is built with nature in mind
The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been designed not just
within the landscape, but around it. Every element of the
building and its interiors has been carefully considered to
reduce environmental impact and celebrate the rich heritage
of Ham Hill.
Consulting team:
• Somerset Council
• Saunders Boston Architects
• Skinner Construction Ltd
• JRC Consulting Engineers Ltd
• Method Consulting
• Heritage & Leisure
• Smith & Jones (Interpretation consultants)
The centre incorporates a range of eco friendly features,
including:
•
Solar panels generating clean, renewable energy
•
Air source heat pump providing efficient, low carbon
heating
•
On-site natural sewage digester
•
Water refill station to help cut down on single use plastics
•
Local Hamstone walls that link the building to its historic
surroundings
Inside, the same care continues with materials and finishes
chosen to reuse, recycle, and celebrate local nature:
•
Café counter built from wood offcuts leftover from the
main build
•
Upcycled second hand chairs restored by volunteers
•
Tables made from reclaimed timber salvaged from a
former Exeter department store
•
Recycled wool blankets and local organic sheepskin rugs
•
Light fittings decorated with dried flowers and grasses
gathered on Ham Hill
•
Natural clay artworks on café walls, featuring plant
impressions from the hill itself
•
Eco friendly takeaway cups to keep waste low
The new visitor centre reflects Somerset Council’s commitment
to sustainability, heritage, and thoughtful design - creating a
space that truly belongs to Ham Hill and its community.
Landscape and
Visual Assessments
Garden design
Landscape design
Play design
Our landscape practice has a long track
record working on schemes large and
small, from public parks to private gardens.
We can offer clients the full range of
landscape architect services, or one-off
support – whichever is appropriate.
About Aileen Shackell
Director Aileen Shackell is a Chartered Landscape Architect, and
our practice is registered with the Landscape Institute. We work
alongside a network of partners, including ecologists and
archaeologists, architects and land agents. As we’re based in
Dorset our work is mostly across the southwest, though
occasionally also further afield.
Telephone: 07833 247771
Email: aileen@asa-landscape.com
Aileen Shackell Landscape Design
146 West Bay Road, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4AZ
UK CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL
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